The Foundation was founded in 1940 by Marshall Field III – grandson to the famous department store merchant. While the Field Foundation is not a family foundation, today three Field family members serve on the board; Marshall Field V, Stephanie Field Harris and Jamee Field Kane.

Visit the Grantmaking section on this site; which will explain the Foundation’s organizational requirements. After reviewing them, if you believe you still qualify, you are welcome to submit an electronic Letter of Inquiry (LOI).

In 1965, Marshall Field IV contributed $8 million dollars to the Field Foundation of Illinois. In 1969, the Field building (located at 135 S. La Salle) was sold for $32.5 million. Mr. Field’s contribution plus the profit of the sale of the Field building (a total of about $19.45 million) were set up as an endowment and transferred to the Foundation’s assets.

The Field Museum is a relative so to speak. In order to house the exhibits and collections assembled for 1893 Chicago World’s Fair for future generations, Marshall Field funded the establishment of a museum. Originally titled the Columbian Museum of Chicago in honor of its origins, it wasn’t until 1905 that it was renamed after its first benefactor- Marshall Field.